Downtown Saginaw Farmers' Market makes seasonal debut

SAGINAW, MI — The Downtown Saginaw Farmers Market made its 2014 debut at 10 a.m. Friday, May 23, to larger than average crowds for opening day, according to several vendors and visitors.

The market, located at 507 S. Washington, draws crowds from across Saginaw County as well as shoppers from the Great Lakes Bay Region, according to Shelley McGeathy, the market's executive director. McGeathy noted the public's renewed interest in local foods.

"People are very health conscious. They like the idea of buying from local growers and food accountability," she said.

Vendors on opening day displayed a variety of locally grown and products; everything from asparagus to perennials and handmade soaps and lotions. More than 50 people were moving between booths near noon, with live music and vendors on hand to commemorate the occasion.

N'ish Tuwa O'Teanea, representing Four Corners and More, spoke with attendees about her company's collection of all-natural soaps, salves and lotions. Friday marked O'Teanea's first time at the Downtown Saginaw Farmers' Market.

On a narrow series of tables, Dave Briggs organized numerous fruits and vegetables for sale. While it is too early in the season for Michigan crops, Briggs' orchard brought tomatoes, apples, blueberries and peaches from farms across the United States.

Just to the left of the fruit were jars filled to the brim with locally-produced honey, something Briggs say he has gallons and gallons of ready for sale. Briggs said the rest of his locally-grown products will be available for consumers in July.

Grace Glave and her dog, Shelby, sat watching attendees maneuver between booths. Glave noted that it wasn't the first time she'd been to the Saginaw market, saying she loved everything available, from produce to the collection of baked goods. Every type of baked good, from vegan to gluten-free, was available for purchase Friday morning.

Cabana Soaps, with a collection of all-natural bars of soaps ranging from lavender beer to lime ginger, attracted curious sniffs from passersby. Helping to explain the puzzling blends was Zach Kidder, a five year veteran of the Saginaw market.

"This is one of my favorite markets to visit because of the people and the weather," Kidder noted.

As the summer soldiers on and the weather warms, Kidder said he expects crowds to swell, a welcome forecast for the sweet scent salesman.

The market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, May 24, but is closed on Monday for Memorial Day.

Regular summer hours for the market are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Beginning July 12, the market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

RJ Wolcott is a reporting intern for MLive/The Saginaw News. Contact him at 989-280-3850, by email at rwolcott@mlive.com